Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
3.0 Landscape and Visual Impact
3.1 Introduction
3.1.1 It is intended to extend the period of ongoing sand and gravel operations at Fleet Hill Farm. It is also proposed to amend the agreed restoration plan for the site.
3.1.2 A package of mitigation measures have been put in place as part of the currently approved operations; these proposals, which are designed to address the issues involved in such a scheme, will remain in place for the duration of the works.
3.1.3 The working proposals are described in the Planning Statement.
3.1.4 This chapter will assess the impact of the proposed development upon the landscape, and will ensure that in the long-term the restoration strategy will complement the surrounding landscape character. This will be achieved by:
examining and describing the existing landscape, its character and condition; reviewing the working and restoration scheme for the site within the context of current landscape policy; outlining the revised restoration proposals; and outlining the effects of the ongoing operations and the restoration proposals on the surrounding area.
3.1.5 This chapter has been prepared with reference to “Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment” (2nd Edition) published by the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental management and Assessment. The original LVIA was compiled after an initial site visit in 2003, desk study and further survey visits in January 2007.
3.1.6 Since the submission of the original landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) as part of the planning application for the extension to Eversley Quarry, the 3rd Edition of the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment has been published (GLVIA3)[1]. That has been followed
[1] Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment, Routledge, April 2013
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
by advice from the Landscape Institute (LI) regarding the transition from the 2nd Edition to the 3rd Edition and a Statement of Clarification regarding “informal appraisals” for non-EIA projects.
3.1.7 In regard to the transition, the LI advises[2]:
3.1.8 GLVIA3 replaces the second edition GLVIA2. In general terms the approach and methodologies in the new edition are the same. The main difference is that GLVIA3 places greater emphasis on professional judgement and less emphasis on a formulaic approach. Members have asked for clarification on the status of projects developed under GLVIA2, but reviewed or implemented after publication of the 3rd Edition.
3.1.9 An assessment started using GLVIA2 should be completed using that edition. Accordingly, in the following assessment GLVIA2 still applies. However, in line with the guidelines, the addendum to this chapter was prepared with reference to GLVIA3.
3.1.10 The survey for the addendum was undertaken in November 2013.
3.1.11 The desk study utilised:
Ordnance Survey mapping at 1:50,000, 1:25,000, 1:10,000 and 1:2,500 scales Aerial photographs from 1998 onwards Ordnance Survey sheets from the 1878 series Policies set out in the Wokingham Unitary Development Plan The Wokingham Landscape Character Assessment.
3.1.12 Following the desk study sketch and detailed restoration plans, restoration volumes, and the detailed soil movements and phased restoration schemes were prepared with the 4ce+ three- dimensional CAD and ground-modelling package. During the preparation of the LVIA addendum, photographs were taken on and around the site from the viewpoints identified as being of major, intermediate or minor significance. The application plans use data output from 4ce+ put into CorelDraw X3 for rendering and graphic presentation.
3.1.13 A substantial nature conservation area will be created as part of the site restoration proposals. A series of conservation lakes will be set within a mosaic of reedbeds, shallow margins, flood
[2] http://landscapeinstitute.org/knowledge/GLVIA.php
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
meadow, and significant areas of new wet woodland to integrate the restored landform into the surrounding landscape.
3.2 Site Description
Location and Topography
3.2.1 The original landscape baseline was prepared under GLVIA2. This information forms the baseline for this addendum and has not been changed.
3.2.2 The application site is situated approximately 200m to the south-east edge of the village of Finchampstead, Berkshire, at the county boundary with Hampshire.
3.2.3 The site comprises former agricultural land south of Fleet Copse and west of Longwater Road. The total site area, including the narrow conveyor corridor through Manor Farm, is approximately 49 hectares.
3.2.4 The application area lies along the middle reaches of the valley of the River Blackwater, within its floodplain. The river flows along the southern boundary of the site, and forms the county boundary between Berkshire and Hampshire.
3.2.5 The small, linear village of Eversley Cross is set a minimum of 600m to the south of the site, across the River Blackwater.
3.2.6 To the east and south-east of the application area lie the two parcels of land which comprise the most recent extraction areas worked out of the Eversley plant site. The land to the east, known as Manor Farm, has a conservation after-use approved (Ref. VAR/2003/0827) and under creation. Land to the south-east is under restoration to amenity after-uses – sports pitches and angling. Restored lakes and land further to the east towards Yateley, created following sand and gravel working, is restored to a mix of conservation and amenity uses including watersports lakes, a golf course, and more playing fields.
3.2.7 Original levels at the proposed working area boundary show little or no variation, between 48.6 metres above Ordnance Datum (mAOD) and 51.5 m AOD. This is typical of the broad, flat swathe of the River Blackwater floodplain. The site is therefore generally level, at around 49.0 to 50.0 m AOD along the River Blackwater, with slight rising ground in the northern part of the site towards Fleet Copse, at around 52.0 mAOD.
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
3.2.8 The topography of the surrounding landscape presents a contrast between the level floodplain along the river corridor and the distinctive landforms of the rising ground of Bramshill Plateau, beyond Eversley Cross to the south, and the northern backdrop to the site of the Finchampstead Ridges.
3.2.9 The Longwater Road which marks the eastern edge of the application area is set on a low embankment at its crossing over the River Blackwater.
Vegetation and Landscape Features
3.2.10 Woody vegetation within the site is generally limited to mature lines of individual trees, principally Oak with some Ash and Willow; these mark the lines of former drainage ditches and hedgerows, as well as the line of Longwater Lane. There is a proportion of stag headed trees, and dead or dying specimens.
3.2.11 There is also a small proportion of shrubby vegetation within these tree lines - Hawthorn with some Blackthorn, Bramble and Elder between 2.0m and 6.0m in height.
3.2.12 The trees within the proposed working area have been assessed by a qualified arboriculturalist and a report of their location and condition is included as part of this planning application.
3.2.13 The boundary to Longwater Road is marked by a gappy outgrown hedge with further mature standard trees.
3.2.14 The main vegetation feature in the vicinity of the site is Fleet Copse, the substantial tract of broadleaved woodland to the north of the application area. This designated ancient woodland comprises mainly Oak, with a proportion of ash, with some sycamore and birch and an understorey of principally Hazel with some Holly, Hawthorn and Bramble. It has been managed as coppice with standards and retains its boundary banks.
3.2.15 Scattered and broken hedgerows and hedgerow trees border fields and marginal agricultural land at the fringe of Eversley Cross village to the south.
3.2.16 Around the proposed restored reedbeds and lakes to the east at Manor Farm, existing retained lines of former drainline and hedgerow vegetation have been supplemented with blocks of mixed deciduous advance and restoration tree planting. These are now beginning to establish and integrate the restored lakes into the wider Eversley Lakes complex.
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
3.2.17 The south-eastern sector of the application area is bisected by the Colebrook Cut, a drainage channel some 3.0m wide, and by Longwater Lane, a historic byway linking Finchampstead and Eversley Cross. The line of the lane is marked in parts by hedgebanks, and is still used as a public right of way.
3.2.18 The main landscape features of the surrounding area include the continuation of Longwater Lane northwards to Finchampstead. The River Blackwater lies further south, both sides marked by groves of more mature Willows, Ash, and Oak.
Geology and Soils
3.2.19 The site is situated on a sand and gravel river terrace deposit. The mineral is a relatively shallow sand and gravel deposit of Bagshot Beds, overlain by a reasonable thickness of soils, subsoils and overburden. These soils, subsoils and overburden will form the restoration materials for the Fleethill site, with no need for importation of fill. The average depth of topsoils across the site is 0.25m with subsoils and overburden of an average depth of 0.65m; the average depth of the mineral horizon is 1.5m.
Land Use
3.2.20 The application site is currently a sand and gravel quarry. The works are proceeding within the field pattern which remains from the previous use as agricultural pasture. The fields within the site are either being quarried or are being restored progressively after quarrying has been completed.
3.2.21 The surrounding land uses are limited as befits a rural area subject to past and current mineral extraction. These range from agricultural land, woodland and forestry, interspersed with residential areas, individual properties and recreational land. Commercial and industrial premises are rare.
3.2.22 Agricultural areas in the wider areas alongside the River Blackwater are in predominantly pastoral cultivation, with some areas of arable. In closer proximity to the site lie areas of current and past sand and gravel extraction; these are principally designated for nature conservation and amenity after-uses.
3.2.23 Finchampstead village is set to the north of the application area. This has a densely wooded setting, with Fleet Copse separating the greater part of the village from the site.
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
3.2.24 The south-eastern edge of Finchampstead has low density housing with a mix of older properties and post-war housing. More recently to the north-east of the site a small estate of large individual houses has been developed.
3.2.25 The large Eversley lakes complex is located further upstream to the east.
3.2.26 Eversley Cross village to the south-east is surrounded by pastoral and arable land and woodland. Like Finchampstead, it is a mix of older properties set around a village green, with some post-war and more recent 1990’s housing estate development.
Settlements
3.2.27 As indicated above, there are some settlements in the vicinity of the site with properties that could potentially be affected by the proposals. These are:
Scattered properties within the River Blackwater floodplain, including Fleethill Farm (100m from the application area); and Fleet House (110m from the application area) and Longacres (270m north of the application area).
Infrastructure
3.2.28 The B3016 Longwater Road runs to the east; this is a busy road with moderate to fast traffic which runs north-south between Finchampstead and Eversley Cross.
3.2.29 The only minor road of any significance in the environs of the site is Fleet Lane; this is a no- through-road which terminates at the entrance to Fleethill Farm.
Surface Water and Hydrology
3.2.30 The River Blackwater, the Colebrook Cut and the restored lakes complex are the main surface water features of the locality. The site forms part of the floodplain of the River Blackwater. 3.36 In addition to the Colebrook Cut, drainage ditches run along the network of tree lines and hedgerows across the site; these are dry for the greater part of the year.
3.2.31 The average water table level lies within 0.5 metres of the existing ground level. The water level on the proposed lake restoration to the east at Manor Farm will be at 50.2 metres AOD. The expected water level within the application area will average from 50.1mAOD in the east, down to 48.3mAOD in the east.
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
Recreation and Amenity
3.2.32 Two public footpaths cross the application area. Longwater Lane (Footpath Number 33) bisects the eastern part of the site north to south linking to a newly created and adopted stretch of the path connecting to Longwater Road in the east. There is a public footpath (Number 29) along the southern edge of Fleet Copse which links the Longwater Lane path to Fleet Lane at Fleet Hill Farm.
3.2.33 There is a considerable amount of designated recreational land within the surrounding area. The restored lakes further east are used for water sports, with a water-ski and jet-ski club currently based on site; this area also accommodates a nine-hole golf course. The restoration works to the northeast of Eversley Cross are for the creation of a sizeable area of sports pitches, and at Eversley Cross itself there is a cricket pitch and clubhouse on the green.
3.2.34 There is a small amenity ground to the north, south of the Burnmoor Meadow housing development.
Flora and Fauna
3.2.35 The principal vegetation and landscape features of the site and surrounding areas have been outlined above inclusive, and a full ecological assessment has been made as part of the Environmental Statement accompanying the planning application. The site has no outstanding features of nature conservation interest.
3.2.36 There are no other statutory designated sites for nature conservation in the immediate vicinity of the site. Fleet Copse is designated as an ancient woodland.
Historic Land Use
3.2.37 The 1878 Ordnance Survey Plan for the site was viewed at http://www.oldmaps.co.uk/. This shows the field layout principally as it is today, together with the Colebrook Cut, and the River Blackwater more or less on its current alignment. Longwater Lane is clearly identifiable, and Longwater Road is on a slightly different alignment as it crosses the River Blackwater.
3.2.38 The archaeological chapter prepared to accompany this planning application also references older maps; the Finchampstead Enclosure map of 1818 and the Tithe Map of 1844. Both maps record a ditched boundary which formed the former parish boundary between Eversley and Finchampstead, in the eastern area of the site. This was lost by 1871-2, presumably as part of the rationalisation
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
associated with the construction of the Longwater Road in 1854. A large number boundaries depicted on the Tithe Map of 1844 survive within the site, generally comprising a bank and drainage ditch, lined with mature tree cover. Between the surveying of the Tithe Map and the 1st Edition OS map of 1871-2 a number of new drainage ditches were excavated probably initiated by the new road construction.
3.3 Landscape Character
3.3.1 The original landscape character assessment reviewed published landscape characterisation. The Joint Character Areas, originally published by the Countryside Commission and English Nature (now Natural England) described broad landscape character of the landscape context of the site.
The character of the landscape is composed of a number of different elements. These are essentially: Landform – the underlying geology affecting surface topography; Land cover – vegetation and land use patterns; and Landscape Elements – buildings and structures, hedgerows and individual trees.
3.3.2 The component parts and their relationship to one another define the landscape character. Plan L10/530/4 indicates the general landscape character zones in the locality of the application site.
3.3.3 The Countryside Commission and English Nature published a broad landscape character key to England (December 1996), defining areas in terms of their landscape, wildlife and natural features. The approximate boundaries of these areas are shown on their character map. To accompany each area, the Countryside Agency has produced a summary description of character, an outline of the main nature conservation and landscape features, and proposals for future management and conservation.
3.3.4 The application site lies within the Thames Basin Heaths character area (No. 129 on the classification map).
3.3.5 In addition, Wokingham Borough Council has further developed the work of the Countryside Agency by subdividing this broad Character Area into Landscape Character Types to describe the diversity of the landscape within the county. The application site lies within the Blackwater River Valley Landscape Character Type (LCT).
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
3.3.6 It will be seen, from the following paragraphs, that the local character of the site environs is fairly typical of the Blackwater River Valley Landscape zone, as described by the WDC Landscape Character Assessment.
3.3.7 Residential development in the immediate vicinity of the application area is limited to the villages of Finchampstead, Eversley Cross and Eversley, together with isolated properties at the edge of the floodplain.
3.3.8 The greater part of the agricultural land within this section of the Blackwater valley is characteristic of the "small enclosed verdant pastures and rough paddocks concentrated along the river corridor". Many of the fields within the application area are within the active part of the quarry operations while other fields are underground restoration. The fields within the site have a lesser degree of enclosure than the fields to the south of the River Blackwater.
3.3.9 Around Fleet Hill Farm to the west of the application area, fields are in pastoral use, stocked by horses. This pastoral land use is the more traditional land use, and is more suited to the alluvial soil type and flood regime.
3.3.10 The area to the north is dominated by the large scale Fleet Copse woodland. This mixed broadleaved woodland, with glades and rides, a mixed aged structure and good species diversity, provides a strong visual background to the site when seen from the south. The mature woodland has a high degree of visual quality and interest.
3.3.11 The River Blackwater, a wide swathe of water winding south past the application area and flowing westwards into the River Lodden, forms an attractive corridor feature. Along the site boundary, the river is flanked by mature Willows and other riverside trees. This landscape type is of moderate to high landscape quality and visual interest.
3.3.12 The distant landscape to the south is formed by the Bramshill plateau, with a significant amount of mature woodland cover, although of principally non-native coniferous composition, interspersed with heathland.
3.3.13 To the east is the existing gravel working complex of Eversley at Manor Farm, including lakes and open water, wetland and natural wet woodland colonisation, and more recent tree planting. This area has been largely restored with the exception of the conveyor link corridor between Fleethill Quarry and Chandler’s Farm to the southeast, which passes through Manor Farm.
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
3.3.14 The site itself, as it currently appears, is generally of moderate to high landscape interest due to the retained field pattern with frequent occurrence of mature standard trees. The overall quality and condition of the landscape surrounding the application area is also moderate to high.
3.3.15 There is little noise disturbance, and no detracting features such as high voltage power lines, large scale industrial, commercial, road or rail developments.
3.3.16 The WDC Character assessment for the Blackwater River Valley concludes with an evaluation, shaping the future for the character area. The ongoing restoration strategy for the site seeks to conserve the tranquil river valley landscape and pastoral character. A more detailed analysis of the relevant sections of the Landscape Character Assessment in respect of the application area are set later in this chapter.
3.4 Policy Framework
3.4.1 The LVIA considers those policies that are most relevant to landscape and visual amenity.
3.4.2 There are no internationally designated sites relating to landscape value at or close to the application area.
3.4.3 No part of the site is designated as an SSSI, NNR, AONB or National Park.
3.4.4 The application site does not lie within any areas of local nature conservation importance; it does lie within a locally designated landscape – the Blackwater Valley Area of Special Landscape Importance.
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
3.4.5 National Planning Policy of relevance to mineral extraction are contained within chapter 13 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) entitled, Facilitating the Sustainable Use of Minerals.
3.4.6 NPPF confirms that mineral extraction should avoid unacceptable adverse impacts on the natural and historic environment... visual intrusion; and take into account the cumulative effects of multiple impacts from individual sites and/or a number of sites in a locality. It is also stated that worked land is reclaimed at the earliest opportunity…. and that high quality restoration and aftercare of mineral sites takes place, …conserving soil resources, geodiversity, biodiversity, native woodland, the historic environment and recreation.
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
Replacement Minerals Local Plan for Berkshire (‘Saved Policies’)
3.4.7 Policies relevant to the landscape of the application area are:
Policy 6: General considerations for sand and gravel extraction. Policy 7: Material considerations for sand and gravel extraction. Policy 13: Strong presumption against extraction all other areas. Policy 18: Appropriate and timely restoration. Policy 19: Securing public benefit through restoration. Policy 21: Content of minerals applications.
Wokingham District Local Plan (‘Saved’ Policies’)
3.4.8 Policies relevant to the landscape of the application area are:
Policy WBE4: Landscape and Planting
3.4.9 “New development will be enhanced through the use of appropriate landscaping. This will be secured by imposing suitable conditions on the grant of planning permission. Landscape schemes should respect local landscape character and wherever possible retain and protect existing natural features. Trees and shrubs will be expected to comprise locally native species wherever possible.”
Policy WBE5: Trees and New Development
3.4.10 “In considering proposals for development the effect on existing trees and areas of woodland will be taken into account. Trees that are to be retained will be properly protected during the course of construction in accordance with a scheme to be first approved through appropriate conditions attached to the planning permission. Where appropriate, tree preservation orders will be applied and the loss or damage of trees protected by new or existing orders will be resisted.”
Policy WLL2: Areas of Special Landscape Importance
3.4.11 “Within the designated areas of special landscape importance, as defined on the proposals map; land uses or built development will not be permitted that would have a detrimental impact on the open, countryside character, or special landscape qualities of the area.
3.4.12 This includes any development that results in the removal or erosion of landscape features such as ponds, chalk outcrops, woodland, copses and hedgerows.”
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
Policy WLL4: Landscape and New Development
3.4.13 “New development, both within and adjoining the countryside, should respect the landscape character of the area, and where appropriate, provide measures for the protection and enhancement of the landscape character, particularly existing boundary features.”
3.4.14 In all cases the development will: Where practicable, allow the retention of existing suitable trees and other features; and include an appropriate tree planting and landscape scheme that is consistent with local character.”
Policy WNC8: Creating New Habitats Through Development
3.4.15 “In considering proposals for development the council will seek the creation, management and interpretation of nature reserves and new wildlife habitats in the countryside and urban areas. Particular support will be given to the creation of such areas in association with the restoration of mineral workings, derelict land restoration.”
3.4.16 The working proposals for the site have been designed around the existing mature tree lines, with the removal of just 27 specimens out of over 200 assessed. These will be protected with full stand- off margins in accordance with BS 5837, and the required stand-offs will be marked by new temporary fencing. The majority of the existing landscape features within the application area will be retained and there will be no adverse effect on the open countryside character of the site, or upon the Blackwater Valley ASLI as a whole.
3.4.17 The restoration proposals in the long term provide for reinforcement of existing tree lines where retained, and the creation of substantial wet and dry woodland in the northern and eastern sections of the site, where its value will be enhanced by the proximity of Fleet Copse. The landscape and habitat diversity of the site will be increased by the inclusion of small ponds, a limited area of open water with wet grassland and reedbed shallows around lake margins.
Wokingham Landscape Character Assessment: Published December 2003
3.4.18 Under Section 5.94 of Part 2 of the document, the ‘Key Issues’ for the changing landscape of the River Blackwater area set out. Of relevance to the application area are the issues of Agriculture, Minerals, and Habitat / Natural Features.
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
3.4.19 For agriculture, consideration should be given to hedgerows as key features of the landscape and their ongoing management as a form of coppice with oak standards. The valley side roads should have a “green lanes” quality. Within the site the majority of the mature trees along former field boundaries have been retained.
3.4.20 Also, the pressure of farm diversification, including creation of hobby farms and paddocks, is identified as a factor leading to the loss of traditional landscape features. The landscape context of the application area is one such area where, due to economic pressures, there has been a move away from traditional stock keeping, and towards horse paddocks. The ongoing restoration scheme is realising an opportunity to re-create grazing land, and to provide better integration of the paddocks into the River Blackwater landscape.
3.4.21 For minerals, the need for extraction is anticipated; the guidelines indicate that extraction should be resisted where the character of the landscape created would be of less value than the landscape lost; restoration plans should be in keeping with the character of the landscape in which they lie. Habitat creation is an integral part of the ongoing restoration works at the site.
3.4.22 For habitats and wetland features, the pressures of agricultural and built development and the resulting impacts on wetland habitats is identified. The restoration strategy is re-creating wetlands including water meadows and wet woodland.
3.4.23 The design of the working and restoration plans for the application area has evolved from the retention of the existing field patterns and stands of mature trees. The ongoing restoration works at the site are replacing the previously low-interest species poor grassland with a mix of wet woodland, damp grassland, ponds, marginal vegetation, and open water. The restoration masterplan is consistent with the guidelines set out in the WDC Landscape Character Assessment.
3.5 Assessment of visual effects
3.5.1 Figure LA02 (Technical Appendices) identifies the photographic viewpoints referred to in the text and the likely views into the application area. The LVIA addendum has incorporated the assessment photographs from the original LVIA and supplements these with additional viewpoint photographs. The additional views are Assessment Photographs 2-8, 10, 12-13, 15-17 and 20-21.
3.5.2 There are likely to be two types of visual effect:
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
Views into the working area; and Changes in landscape character of the vicinity upon restoration.
3.5.3 In order to fully assess the permanent visual effects of the proposed development, and to determine its effects on the surrounding landscape, a visual impact survey has been undertaken to identify the current views into the site and to assess the significance of these views.
3.5.4 The views assessed are those from which public access is possible and are as follows:
Settlements
The edge of Finchampstead lies north east of the site: Longacres, 270 metres from the application boundary, is a three-storey property which overlooks the site through dense vegetation (see Photograph 11)
Individual properties: These are:
Fleet Hill Farm, located off Fleet Lane, 100 metres north-west of the application area (see Photograph 9); and Fleet House, located off Fleet Lane, 90 metres north-west of the application area (see Photograph 8).
Definitive Rights of Way
Longwater Lane footpath; Footpath linking the Longwater Lane to Fleet Lane to the west at Fleethill Farm; this is at the northern edge of the application boundary; Footpath linking the Longwater Lane to Longwater Road to the east.
Public Highways
Longwater Road runs along part of the eastern site boundary; Fleet Lane runs a minimum of 110 metres west of the site.
3.5.5 Viewpoints that are not accessible to the public, for instance privately owned fields without public footpaths, have not been included in this assessment.
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
3.5.6 Topography, vegetation and public access to vantage-points limit potential views of the site. Depending on the proximity, elevation and extent to which views are restricted and interrupted, it is possible to categorise the views as major, intermediate or minor significance, as follows:
A major view is one that is open, close and extensive with little or no interruption of the view by intervening vegetation or other screening; An intermediate view is one that is obscured due to intervening changes in landform, vegetation or other development; and A minor view is one that is minimal or glimpsed due to better screening, or a distant view, which may merge into the wider landscape.
3.5.7 Mature, dense vegetation such as an outgrown hedge will afford lesser views into a site than a less well-maintained hedge that allows filtered views.
3.5.8 Table A (Technical Appendices, Visual Assessment: Receptor Sensitivity, Magnitude of Impact and Impact Significance) is the matrix which combines receptor sensitivity for each type of viewpoint with the magnitude of visual impact to give the visual impact significance for each viewpoint type. This table was prepared under GLVIA2 and has not been amended.
3.5.9 Table B (Technical Appendices, Visual Assessment: Receptor Sensitivity, Magnitude of Impact and Impact Significance) identifies and describes the individual standpoints from which views are possible into the application area, their sensitivity, sources of impact and impact significance with and without proposed mitigation.
Major Views
3.5.10 Direct, open and proximate views of the application area are possible from a 900 metre length of Footpath 29 from Fleet Lane to Longwater Lane (see Photographs 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, Figure LA.03).
3.5.11 Direct, open and proximate views of the application area are similarly obtained from a 450 metre length of Footpath 33 between Longwater Lane and Longwater Road (see Photographs 18, 19, and 20, Figure LA.03).
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
Intermediate Views
3.5.12 Oblique views of a small section of the western part of the site are obtained from Fleethill Farm (see Photograph 9). Views from the frontage of this two storey property, set 100m north from the site boundary, are completely obscured by large-scale farm buildings.
3.5.13 Oblique views of a section of the western part of the site are also possible from Fleet House (see Photograph 8); this property is set 90m north from the application boundary. The views possible are filtered by garden vegetation.
3.5.14 Direct and proximate views are possible from a 200 metre length of Footpath 33 along Longwater Lane, between Phases 1 and 3 and Phase 4 of the application area. Views into the application area are generally well screened by boundary hedgerow vegetation on the northern section of the lane, but become more open as the path crosses the Colebrook cut southwards (see Photographs 18 and 19). Views from the northern section of Longwater Lane are of a more minor nature. Photograph 21 illustrates a view from residential properties on Longwater Lane in Finachampstead; the site is obscured from view by vegetation.
3.5.15 Direct views are also possible from short stretches of the B3016 Longwater Road (see Photographs 1 and 2). Phase 4, the most easterly section of the development, is visible, with more distant and screened views of the western part of the site possible. Road side vegetation provides some screening, particularly along the section of the road north of the River Blackwater (see Photograph 1). Other views from the Longwater Road are of a more minor nature.
Minor Views
3.5.16 Glimpsed views of a small section of the site may be possible from Longacres, set some 270m from the site boundary. This elevated view is obtained down a narrow ride through Fleet Copse, which otherwise obscures the site as seen from the north (see Photograph 11).
3.5.17 Very limited filtered views of small sections of Phase 2 of the application area are possible from Fleet Lane (see Photograph 7).
3.5.18 Views within this level, semi-open valley landscape become markedly less significant at only short distances away, and existing woodlands, hedgerows, and riverside vegetation filter or obscure potential views of the application area.
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
3.5.19 There are no other significant views from the locality due to the screening effects of vegetation, changes in topography, residential and road developments. More distant views are represented by Photograph 3, from Reading Road to the south, Photograph 6 from Eversley Street to the west and Photograph 4 and 5 from the B3348 and Dell Road respectively. These views show that the site is obscured from views in the wider landscape by vegetation.
3.6 Visual effects on the surrounding landscape character
3.6.1 The surrounding landscape character is of a mainly rural river valley with some adjacent areas of moderate to high quality. There are other operational mineral workings to the southwest of the site at Chandlers Farm, and the land to the east of Longwater Road forms the Manor Farm gravel extraction site, currently under restoration. The development proposals will have both a short term “transitory” and longer term “permanent” effect upon the landscape.
Short Term Effects
3.6.2 The development will temporarily alter the surrounding landscape character, with the establishment of soil storage and screen mounds, conveyor routes and areas of mineral extraction, being followed by restoration on a phased basis.
3.6.3 However, throughout the duration of the working, areas of the site will be restored in phases to provide a range of habitats including reed beds and wetland, grazing land, meadow grassland and woodland
Permanent Effects: Change in Landscape Character
3.6.4 Table C (Technical Appendices, Section 3, Landscape Assessment: Receptor Sensitivity, Magnitude of Impact and Impact Significance) is the matrix which combines landscape sensitivity for the application area with the magnitude of impact upon landscape character to give the landscape impact significance.
3.6.5 The landscape sensitivity for the application area and its surroundings is Medium – Low; whilst there is a moderate standard of management, and few detracting features, the landscape has been given no formal designation and is therefore of only local value.
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
3.6.6 The magnitude of impact upon the landscape character of the area is Medium; the character will be moderately affected, but will only be perceptible in the local context. The working scheme for the site has been designed to retain and protect the greater proportion of mature trees.
3.6.7 The overall landscape impact significance of the site restoration is therefore Minor-Intermediate.
3.6.8 Due to the level nature of the surrounding area, existing woodlands, hedgerows and blocks of maturing vegetation, views of the existing waterbodies within the surrounding area are very localised.
3.6.9 It is proposed that the initial northernmost phases of the working will be backfilled with insitu reject material and overburden as site working progresses eastwards. This area will be restored to woodland near Fleet Copse.
3.6.10 The main areas of open water, reed-bed and marginal shelves and re-instated agricultural land will then be created in the south-western and south-eastern parts of the site. Restoration around the lakes will include substantial areas of marginal shelves supporting reed and other aquatic plant species.
3.6.11 Small shallow ponds for amphibian and invertebrate interest have also been included at the south- eastern edges of the proposed working area.
3.6.12 The last phases of site working will be restored to a more intimate mix of woodland, wet grassland and smaller area of open water.
3.6.13 In the long term, the application site and its surroundings will benefit from an increase in native tree and shrub cover, and supplementary and replacement tree planting that will reinforce existing boundaries. In the medium-term, there should be an increase the nature conservation value of the site.
3.6.14 There will be a change from relatively open, moderate quality grassland area to a diverse area of restored pasture land within a framework of retained tree lines, wet woodland and shallow ponds, and areas of open water, broken up by promontories, reed beds, marginal shallows and wet grassland. The character of the northern half of the site will become more enclosed, with the land adjacent to the River Blackwater becoming more like the semi-enclosed landscape to the south of the river.
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
3.7 Proposed mitigation measures
3.7.1 To date, Eversley Quarry has received several restoration awards from The Quarry Products Association (QPA) and its predecessor, the Sand and Gravel Association (SAGA).
3.7.2 In order to minimise the landscape impact of the development, a number of mitigation measures have been incorporated into the scheme and are described below, along with their associated effects.
Site Planning
3.7.3 Material from the extraction area will continue to be taken to the plant site for processing via a conveyor routed eastwards, through an existing culvert and across the current Manor Farm extraction area, thus limiting vehicular activity on site.
3.7.4 The site will also continue to largely be worked wet, further limiting vehicle movements within the site to soil stripping and restoration operations and feeding material onto the conveyor line.
3.7.5 The progressive phasing of the remaining mineral working and restoration will now be as shown on Drawings P10/530/21 and 22 to enable the range of beneficial uses to be reinstated or newly created on the site.
Screening Measures
3.7.6 The screening provided by existing vegetation, particularly boundary woodland to the north and outgrown hedgerows to the west with continue during the ongoing quarrying at the site.
3.7.7 Existing landscape features have been retained to maximise screening of the site.
3.7.8 The soil screen mounds along the northern boundary of the development, at the outermost part of the River Blackwater floodplain will continue to provide effecting screening until each section is removed during the phased restoration of the site.
Design of the final restoration
3.7.9 The site will continue to be restored through the use of site derived material. The approved restoration scheme is for the reinstatement of the site following working for a combination of lakes, woodland, reedbeds and grassland all for nature conservation purposes. The revised scheme as illustrated on Drawings P10/530/10B and P10/530/11 does not alter the overall concept for the
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
restoration of the site, but seeks to add further to the site’s nature conservation value by providing additional areas of reedbed within the wetland areas and contributing to the creation of UK Biodiversity Action Plan Habitats
3.7.10 In addition, the potential restoration master plan proposes extensions to both the PROW and Bridleway networks.
3.7.11 Details of footpath and bridleway surfacing and widths will be provided as further detail to WBC for their consideration in determining the application.
3.7.12 A section 106 agreement is attached to the existing permission which requires CEMEX to prepare and submit a plan for the long term management of the site. CEMEX have been in discussion with the Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB) about the potential for RSPB to take on the long- term management of the site.
3.7.13 Grassland will be dry on the un-worked margins to the site boundaries and the substantial belts of retained trees; this drier grassland will grade into flood meadow grassland and marsh. The restoration for the pastoral land will either re-instate the former field pattern or create new fields of a proportionate scale.
3.7.14 As shown on Drawing P10/530/10B, the northern part of the site will be restored to woodland, in continuity with the existing woodland of Fleet Copse. Approximately 2.6 hectare of drier woodland, with native species complementary to Fleet Copse such as Oak, Holly and Hazel will be established on the northern un-worked margins. Land restored to the level at or just above the water table may also be suitable for the creation of wet woodland, with alder and willow trees. A substantial 10.5ha area of wet woodland will be planted around the northern and eastern parts of the site.
3.7.15 The variable nature of the deposit in certain parts of the site will result in substantial areas of shallow water up to a depth of 1.0m suitable for the creation of reedbed and other aquatic marginal vegetation. Some 3.2ha of the restored land will be of this habitat type.
3.7.16 Areas of open water are likely to be no more than 2.5m deep and in some places may only be 1.5m deep. This, together with their small size precludes most if not all recreational afteruses, and the site will therefore be managed predominantly for nature conservation.
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
3.8 Residual effects
3.8.1 During site working, the mitigation measures have effectively reduced most potential views of the site. The screen bund along the northern boundary of the site effectively screens views from the footpath between Longwater Lane and Longwater Road, except where it has been removed during restoration of the adjacent phase of the works. Views will become more open as the screen bund is removed and the site is restored.
3.8.2 However, the views described above will be temporary and last only for the duration of Phase 4 and during the restoration period. Following restoration views from the path will be improved, looking out over the restored wetland, woodland and reedbed areas.
3.8.3 The restored lakes and wetland will not, even in the short term, appear relatively open. The retention of the majority of the existing mature standard trees within the application area will provide a mature backdrop to newly restored areas.
3.8.4 Furthermore, the planting of substantial areas of trees, shrubs and scrub, should begin to integrate the new wetland complex into its surroundings.
3.8.5 It is anticipated that the new planting and marginal vegetation colonisation will mature to the extent that after approximately five years have elapsed, only glimpsed views of the open water areas will be possible.
3.8.6 In the longer term, it is anticipated that the proposed wetlands will be assimilated into the valley landscape in much the same way as lakes further upstream have been assimilated. These other lakes have, over the years, come to form an integral part of this part of the River Blackwater Valley and are acknowledged to contribute to its habitat and visual diversity, and recreational and amenity potential.
3.8.7 The mitigation measures, especially the restoration and planting proposals, will ensure that the development can take place without permanent detriment to the visual appearance and quality of the surrounding landscape, and should positively enhance the habitat value of the site.
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
3.9 Conclusions
3.9.1 The approximately 49.0 hectare site, situated to the south-east of Finchampstead, Berkshire, was previously used for pastoral grazing before quarrying commenced.
3.9.2 The application area is set within the rural level floodplain landscape of the River Blackwater Valley.
3.9.3 The landscape character of the site is typical of the River Blackwater floodplain; a flat broad valley contained by gentle side slopes, the river meandering on a east to west course. The settlement pattern across the valley is limited to medium sized villages, well screened by woodland and hedgerow vegetation. The landscape eastwards has been altered by mineral working, but to the south secluded semi-open pasture land with a good degree of hedgerow cover does remain. The wider landscape is has few detracting features.
3.9.4 The application area is not within a landscape designated to be of high quality. There are no national or local landscape designations encompassing the site. It does lie within a locally designated landscape – the Blackwater Valley Area of Special Landscape Importance; the working and restoration of the site will not adversely affect this designated land.
3.9.5 The site is crossed by two public rights of way – Footpaths 29 and 33; the local road network (B3016) is moderately busy.
3.9.6 The proposed scheme takes account of all relevant planning policies; no landscape constraints for mineral working the site are identified in the District Local Plan.
3.9.7 All existing perimeter vegetation has been retained and protected.
3.9.8 The application area contains a significant number of former hedgeline and drainline mature standard trees, which have been retained where possible. The site contains no other features of nature conservation interest that will be lost as part of the proposals.
3.9.9 A significant number of standard trees have been planted within the fenced-off area as part of the advance planting works to reinstate and reinforce the landscape framework of this part of the river valley.
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Land west of Longwater Road, Fleethill Farm, Finchampstead
3.9.10 A significant number of additional trees and shrubs will be planted within the restored site. The largest feature will be the area of wet woodland, covering some 10.5 ha. The planting will be incorporated to enhance existing features and create new habitats for wildlife.
3.9.11 The main residential areas of Finchampstead and Eversley Cross / Eversley Centre are concentrated to the north-east and south-east of the site respectively; in recent years, new developments have expanded these settlements. Outside these villages, the swathe of agricultural land which separates them is very sparsely populated, with dwellings limited to outlying farms.
3.9.12 The extension of the operational phase will not have any substantial adverse effects on either landscape character, or substantial adverse visual impacts. Vegetation around site boundaries will continue to be retained, and proposed new areas of restoration planting will have a beneficial impact on the site.
3.9.13 Public routes within the area surrounding the site and nearby residents will continue to experience views of the quarrying and restoration activities. These views will be temporary and continue for the remainder of the operational and restoration periods. Views are only perceptible from a local scale.
3.9.14 The extended period of sand and gravel operations at Fleet Hill Farm will not result in significant landscape and visual impacts. Mitigation measures already in place provide effective mitigation of impacts.
3.9.15 The alternative restoration proposals will not result in an adverse impact compared to the currently approved scheme. The existing restoration works are progressing well at the site and these works will continue to progressively reduce the extent of quarrying which is apparent in the landscape. Beneficial landscape and visual effects associated with the diverse habitats being created will begin to occur during the extending period of working at the site.
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